Prithvi Shaw is preparing for a fresh chapter in his cricket career as he returns to the Indian Premier League with Delhi Capitals. The talented opener, who once led India to the Under-19 World Cup title in 2018, is looking to prove himself again on the big stage.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Shaw has the ability to dominate IPL 2026 if he stays focused and manages the pressure well.
Prithvi Shaw’s Return to Delhi Capitals
Prithvi Shaw was picked by Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2025 mega auction at his base price of ₹75 lakh. The bid came late in the auction after several teams had passed on him.
This marked a return to the franchise that first signed him years earlier when it was known as Delhi Daredevils.
Shaw’s IPL Auction Journey
| Year | Team | Price | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 IPL Auction | Delhi Daredevils | ₹1.2 crore | 245 runs in 9 innings |
| 2025 IPL Mega Auction | Delhi Capitals | ₹75 lakh | Selected at base price |
Shaw had made a promising start to his IPL career in 2018, but he could not maintain the early momentum. Over time, his performances and form began to fluctuate.
Despite this, Delhi Capitals decided to give him another opportunity to rebuild his career.
Difficult Phase in Shaw’s Career
Prithvi Shaw’s journey in recent years has been challenging. After early success in domestic and international cricket, expectations grew quickly around the young batsman.
However, his career went through a tough period due to several issues.
Key Challenges Shaw Faced
- Fitness and discipline concerns
- Inconsistent performances in IPL seasons around 2023 and 2024
- A knee injury that affected his rhythm
- Being dropped from the Mumbai domestic team
After leaving the Mumbai team, Shaw moved to Maharashtra in search of a fresh start. The change was aimed at helping him rebuild both his cricket form and confidence.
During this phase, Shaw worked on improving his fitness, discipline, and mental focus.
Irfan Pathan’s Strong Support for Shaw
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan believes that IPL 2026 could be a major turning point in Shaw’s career.
According to Pathan, players who face setbacks often return with strong motivation to prove themselves. He said Shaw will be eager to show what he is capable of after going through a difficult phase.
Pathan also highlighted that players who are hungry to succeed can sometimes place too much pressure on themselves. Managing that pressure will be important for Shaw if he wants to perform consistently.
The former all-rounder believes Shaw’s talent is still there and that the right mindset could help him make a big impact this season.
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A Big Opportunity in IPL 2026
IPL 2026 presents a fresh opportunity for Prithvi Shaw to show his batting ability again. If he performs well, he could become an important player for Delhi Capitals.
The tournament has often helped players revive their careers, and Shaw will be hoping to do the same.
What Shaw Needs to Succeed
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Fitness | Maintaining energy throughout the season |
| Discipline | Staying focused on training and performance |
| Consistency | Delivering runs regularly for the team |
| Confidence | Playing his natural attacking game |
If these areas improve, Shaw could once again become a dangerous opening batsman in the league.
Can Shaw Make a Strong Comeback?
Prithvi Shaw’s talent has never been in doubt. His aggressive batting style and ability to score quickly made him one of the most exciting young players in Indian cricket.
The coming IPL season could be the moment where he brings back that spark.
For Delhi Capitals, Shaw’s return to form could strengthen their batting lineup significantly. For Shaw himself, strong performances could reopen the door to bigger opportunities in international cricket.
As IPL 2026 approaches, many fans will watch closely to see whether the talented opener can turn this second chance into a successful comeback.
FAQs
Which team does Prithvi Shaw play for in IPL 2026?
Prithvi Shaw will play for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026.
How much did Delhi Capitals pay for Prithvi Shaw in the 2025 auction?
Delhi Capitals bought him at his base price of ₹75 lakh in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
What did Irfan Pathan say about Prithvi Shaw?
Irfan Pathan said Shaw has the hunger to prove himself and could perform very well if he handles pressure and stays focused.
Why did Prithvi Shaw leave the Mumbai domestic team?
Shaw moved to Maharashtra after being dropped from the Mumbai team, hoping to restart his career and find new opportunities.
Can Prithvi Shaw return to top form?
If he stays fit, disciplined, and confident, Shaw has the talent to make a strong comeback in IPL 2026.
